Bartinney Estate: A Unique Tasting with Unmatched Views

Bartinney Wine Estate is perched on the slopes of Botmaskop near Helshoogte Pass in Stellenbosch, with a beautiful view of the Banhoek Valley. Renowned for having ‘the best view in the valley,’ it truly lives up to the hype. Founded in 1912, Bartinney has been under the care of the Jordaan family since 1953. Bartinney takes pride in its outstanding wines, featuring varieties like Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon. We were so happy we chose to stop here along the navy route of the Franschhoek tram tour.

Tastings at Bartinney Wine Estate

The tasting room looks amazing, filled with native fynbos plants and a beautiful chandelier made from old vines. But what really caught our eye was the terrace. It’s the perfect spot to kick back, take in the view of the valley and mountains, and enjoy a great tasting.

Wine Tasting at Bartinney

Bartinney is all about creating top-notch wines using sustainable methods. Their older vines thrive at 550 meters above sea level on steep slopes of up to 45 degrees, giving the wines a unique character. The Chardonnay vineyards, tucked into cool elevated slopes, receive meticulous care, ensuring perfect fruit through low-yielding practices. On the slightly lower foothills of the Botmaskop mountains, they tend to the Cabernet Sauvignon vines with the same attentive care. During our tasting, we tried three wines: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Even though I’m not a wine expert or a fan of white wine, I have to admit, the whites at Bartinney are truly impressive!

Top Tip: If you plan your visit for a Friday, Bartinney stays open later than usual, allowing you to catch a breathtaking sunset over the valley. Stay in the loop with the latest news and events by following their Facebook page.

Tempest Gin Tasting

Not really into wine? No problem! Bartinney Estate has got you covered with their Tempest Gin Tasting. The pale yellow straw color of Tempest Gin comes from fresh botanicals meeting French oak barrels during production. And here’s the cool part—they serve the gin with ice blocks infused with berries, cinnamon, and citrus. Mix these tasty additions with your preferred tonic water, choosing between hibiscus or honeybush orange, for a refreshing and flavorful spin on your gin tasting!

Unfortunately, we had to cut our time short at Bartinney to catch the next tram. If we had more time, we would have certainly stayed longer. More than just a wine estate, there are also lovely trails crossing the Banhoek Conservancy for both hikers and mountain bikers. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or gin lover, Bartinney Estate promises a delightful escape into the heart of the Cape Winelands, blending history, vision, and the art of winemaking.

Discover more wine estates in and around Franschhoek by clicking the link below.